Prokofiev vs. Shostakovich

[Renfield]

I find Shostakovich more sensitive, more intellectual, and more humanitarian than Prokofiev. So obviously, I vote for the latter!

Nah, I'm kidding. I already voted for Shostakovich a few days ago, and my opinion of him hasn't been altered dramatically, since then.

But I agree, it's probably moot to compare these two, for all their mutual antagonism.

[karlhenning]

I think the 'antagonism' is a bit overplayed;  their personalities were probably none the most complementary, but at the end of the day, they were both great artists trying to keep from getting crushed under the Wheel.

[Sergeant Rock]

I've been thinking really hard about this. Shostakovich is in my Top 10 but Prok is not far behind. How to choose between Shostakovich's symphonies and quartets, and Prokofiev's ballets, operas, piano concertos and sonatas? Can't be done by this soldier, so I'll pass.

Sarge

[Renfield]

I think the 'antagonism' is a bit overplayed;  their personalities were probably none the most complementary, but at the end of the day, they were both great artists trying to keep from getting crushed under the Wheel.

Not unlikely: indeed, very reasonable.

Particularly considering how all accounts I'm aware of, regarding their so-called mutual "enmity", are as vague as to allow room aplenty for hyperbole. And if nothing else, such a view of "two great composers locked in a struggle from which only one would prevail" definitely suited the times. So perhaps this thread might be a considered a sort of re-enactment?

[BachQ]

I am deeply saddened that my beloved Prokofiev has fallen behind ......... 

[carlos]

Sergei fight only against Oistrakh..on chess. Both were good
players and fanatics, but Sergei was first class.

[Sergeant Rock]

I am deeply saddened that my beloved Prokofiev has fallen behind ......... 

I should have Mrs. Rock join the forum again. She'd definitely vote for Prok.

Sarge

[Fëanor]

Oh, I can't decide.................

At this point in time I lean to Shostakovich.  I'd say he's more accessible, so I prefer his quartets, for example, for pure listening, though Prokofiev's are at least as interesting.  Plus "the Shoss" is emotional in a non-Romantic way: edgy and gritty.

[BachQ]

I should have Mrs. Rock join the forum again. She'd definitely vote for Prok.

Sarge

Yes, that would enliven my spirit, and retrieve me from my depths of desolate despair ......

[karlhenning]

Yes, that would enliven my spirit, and retrieve me from my depths of desolate despair ......

Nay, all that can achieve that, would be the tape from jochanaan's recital . . . .

[karlhenning]

Honestly, I don't either has any 'edge' over the other in terms of accessibility.

[Danny]

I find Shostakovich more sensitive, more intellectual, and more humanitarian than Prokofiev. So obviously, I vote for the latter!

Nah, I'm kidding. I already voted for Shostakovich a few days ago, and my opinion of him hasn't been altered dramatically, since then.

But I agree, it's probably moot to compare these two, for all their mutual antagonism.

See, I have it even for both along the sensitive, intellectual and humanitarian lines.  I usually find Sergei more measured and concise in his expression, but Mitya is one of the few composers who can stretch his musical material out and not suffer for doing so (eg, the symphonies).

I still can't decide!

[BachQ]

Honestly, I don't either has any 'edge' over the other in terms of accessibility.

Accessibility is a mixed blessing, my dear Karl.  The more accessible the work, the more likely it will grow tiresome ........

BTW, I found your post to be most accessible .......

[karlhenning]

The more accessible the work, the more likely it will grow tiresome ........

Interesting observation;  yet I don't think there is quite a direct correlation.

[greg]

BTW, I found your post to be most accessible .......

how's this for non-accessible?



4389)#$N380N*V$#M))V:M$#8VN:$39mnuV:DS:VMFDSIOM:VFUDMS:OVMFDOMS:IFCNDUSO:OIFVNUPDOSUR$E*$#_@
bfdsPUIR$M)*VRU$(M)V   54
BN$*%)                         b54u*(MB*U%$)V%

         b5m4()BM%4        %$wbM*()%$ b 584-Bgf[BIU{GFUID{BGMf       bgufmd{OIUBGf[

                      gf                        a                                                                     bl


it'll never get old 

[BachQ]

4389)#$N380N*V$#M))V:M$#8VN:$39mnuV:DS:VMFDSIOM:VFUDMS:OVMFDOMS:IFCNDUSO:OIFVNUPDOSUR$E*$#_@
bfdsPUIR$M)*VRU$(M)V   54
BN$*%)                         b54u*(MB*U%$)V%

         b5m4()BM%4        %$wbM*()%$ b 584-Bgf[BIU{GFUID{BGMf       bgufmd{OIUBGf[

                      gf                        a                                                                     bl


it'll never get old 

Except for the very last part, I found this to be immediately accessible .......

[Danny]

Sergei has narrowed the gap......................

[greg]

Except for the very last part, I found this to be immediately accessible .......

how do i make an inaccessible post then? 

[BachQ]

how do i make an inaccessible post then? 

The key to inaccessibility is to begin your post with discussions of vibrational fields .........

[karlhenning]

To ax . . . the inaccessible post . . . .